Model Tested: 2018 Nissan Titan SL 4×4 Crew Cab Midnight Edition Engine:5.6-liter V-8, 390 horsepower, 394 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 15-mpg city, 21-mpg highway, 18-mpg combined Base Price: $50,360 As Tested: $54,775 Performance: Smooth, powerful V-8 Good acceleration … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SE w/4Motion Engine:1.8-liter turbo I-4, 170 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $29,765 As Tested: $30,615 Performance: Good power and acceleration Driving modes: … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Ford EcoSport Titanium 4WD Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 166 horsepower, 149 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $27,240 As Tested: $26,420 Performance: Easy to park Minimal overhangs Excellent approach/departure angles for … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T with 4Motion (AWD) Engine: 2-liter TSI, DOHC turbo, direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 27/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $30,230 As Tested: $31,130 Overview: Redesigned for 2018, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is larger … read more

Model Tested: Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and Hybrid Synergy Drive Transmission: Electronically controlled continually variable transmission (ECVT) EPA Ratings: 29/city, 27/highway, 28/combined Base Price: $41,330 As Tested: $44,080 Overview: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a very smooth, … read more

Models Tested: 2018 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h Engine: Gas — 5-liter DOHC, V8 Horsepower: 467 • Torque: 389 lb. ft. Engine: Hybrid — 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and 220kW permanent magnet synchronous motors Horsepower: 354 — combined gas and electric Transmission: 10-speed … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Kia Sorrento SXL AWD Engine:3.3-liter V-6, 290 horsepower, 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $46,490 As Tested: $48,370 Performance: 4×4 locking center differential Driving modes: Eco, Sport, Comfort, … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Lexus RX 350L Engine:3.5-liter V-6, 290 horsepower, 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 25-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $49,070 As Tested: $58,190 Performance: Impressive highway fuel economy—our best was 31.1-mpg Excellent safety features … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota Avalon 4-Door Touring Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 268 horsepower, 248 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $37,900 As Tested: $39,939 Performance: Great highway cruiser Quiet riding experience Strong V-6 Paddle … read more